Bait Mimicking Insertable Fishing Lure Module

ABSTRACT

An electronic module in a fishing lure in the water is activated to broadcast a prerecorded actual or simulated sound of a bait creature and or create lifelike bait creature motion. A switch in the module activates a sound chip and a micro speaker, a water sensing automatic on-off switch turns the power on and off, and the battery is charged by an external charging coil. An alternate embodiment automatically activates the fishing lure device to replicate bait animals in size, shape, movement and sound.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-In-Part Application claiming prioritybenefit from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/239,284, filed on Sep.21, 2011.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a fishing lure and in particular to afishing lure device having an insertable module broadcasting actual orsimulated recorded bait animal sounds from inside a body resembling thesize, shape, and optionally the movement of the bait animal in thewater.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In order to be highly effective in catching fish, such as bass, it isnecessary to replicate the bait animals, fish, and insects that theyprefer for food as closely as possible including sound, shape, andmotion.

Much of the prior art remote controlled fishing lures focus in one wayor another on using discrete outdated technology such as a vibratingmotor for vibration only and have no legs or tail. The fish lures of theprior art are often expensive to make and fragile. The fishing luredisclosed here utilizes modern surface mount technology to produceeither or both audible bait sounds and lifelike motion in a robust,mechanically simple, and inexpensive design.

Related prior art patents and published patent applications include U.S.Pat. No. 6,684,556,B1, US20050257418A1, US20040200125A1, U.S. Pat. No.6,920,714, U.S. Pat. No. 7,055,280, U.S. Pat. No. 6,836,995, U.S. Pat.No. 6,804,909, U.S. Pat. No. 6,789,347, U.S. Pat. No. 6,910,294,US20020014031A1, U.S. Pat. No. 6,449,895, U.S. Pat. No. 6,581,319, U.S.Pat. No. 6,035,574, U.S. Pat. No. 5,894,692, U.S. Pat. No. 5,535,538,U.S. Pat. No. 5,321,905, U.S. Pat. No. 5,105,573, U.S. Pat. No.4,922,647, U.S. Pat. No. 4,380,132, U.S. Pat. No. 3,841,012, U.S. Pat.No. 7,207,135, U.S. Pat. No. 7,080,476, US20050150151A1, U.S. Pat. No.6,880,287, US20030115788A1, U.S. Pat. No. 6,779,291, US20030154642A1,1JS20020104250A1, US20020088165A1, U.S. Pat. No. 6,192,617, U.S. Pat.No. 5,172,510, U.S. Pat. No. 4,980,987, U.S. Pat. No. 4,884,359, U.S.Pat. No. 4,858,370, U.S. Pat. No. 4,700,501, U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,020,U.S. Pat. No. 4,581,841, U.S. Pat. No. 4,594,806, U.S. Pat. No.4,468,879, U.S. Pat. No. 4,177,597, U.S. Pat. No. 4,133,135, U.S. Pat.No. 3,465,464, U.S. Pat. No. 3,457,667.

What is needed is a fishing lure device containing a small insertablemodule which broadcasts the actual or simulated recorded bait creaturesound and/or motion from a replicated bait creature body in the watereither automatically or controlled by the fisherman.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a fishing lure devicecontaining a small insertable module which broadcasts the actual orsimulated recorded bait creature sound and/or lifelike motion from areplicated bait creature body lure in the water. The sound is producedby a module inside the lure via a micro speaker communicating with amicro chip. The microchip having the recorded actual or simulated soundof the bait creature stored thereon. The sound is broadcast through themicro speaker and the lifelike motion is imparted to the lure body whenactivated automatically or by a motion sensing device activated bytugging on the fishing line attached to the lure.

An alternate object is to produce a fishing lure device containing aninsertable module which broadcasts the actual or simulated recorded baitcreature sound from a replicated bait creature body in the water,wherein the sound is produced by a remote radio controlled roboticfishing lure device replicating bait creatures in size, shape, andmovement and transmitting actual or simulated recorded bait creaturesounds, which utilizes a simple magnetic actuator and programmable sounddevice remotely controlled to activate simulated bait creature extremitymovement and sounds.

The sound and/or motion generating module of the present inventionprovides a unique combination of resonant inductive charging using abattery protect circuit by inserting the lure with the module in thelure receptacle of the charger, and a water sensing switch forautomatically turning the power on and off when the lure is in or out ofthe water, or a magnetic latch switch which enables turning the power onand off externally with a magnet on the shore or in the boat.

The micro-miniature surface mount technology of the preferred embodimentof the insertable module of the present invention does not use discretecomponents but utilizes surface mount technology making it robust andeconomical to produce about 1/10th the size of a discrete componentmodule.

The module may either comprise a “slip-in” module inserted in varioushollow body soft rubber shaped lures or may be built into hollow plasticshapes. Either type can be made to be either floating or sinking.

Another unique feature of the present invention is the baby alligatorshape. There are no lures of this type on the market with this shape.This soft rubber hollow body lure replicates a baby alligator soundand/or shape with soft rubber extremities and may be made with activatedsound and/or lifelike motion.

There are many lures that can use the technology of the presentinvention. For bass fishing, some of the basic types of hollow body softplastic lures envisioned to use the sound modules of the presentinvention include a bassfrog, a frog form which makes a “ribbit” soundand has interchangeable legs; a basspop, a popper form which makes a“popping chugging” sound and has interchangeable legs; a bassgator, ahatchling gator form which makes a hatchling gator “squeeking” sound hasboth legs and a tail that swings side to side; a basscrayfish, acrayfish form which makes crayfish “clicking” sounds; a basschad, a shadform which makes shad “rattling buzzing” sounds; and a bassbream, abream/sunperch form which makes a small fish sound and a wagging tailmotion.

The components for reproducing the actual or simulated sound and motionof the bait creature are encapsulated in a waterproof module which isinserted in a hollow simulated bait creature body. The module is placedwithin a hollow soft rubber body of whichever shape you choose; frog,gator, crayfish, shad, popper or other bait creature. The lure body cantherefore be changed very easily if and when it gets damaged. Theinsertable module reproduces the prerecorded actual or simulated soundand/or motion of the bait animal.

In a solid body embodiment, the appendages may be removable so that afisherman can change the legs when they get ripped without having tochange the lure body and he can change the legs to the type and color hewishes as conditions change.

The insertable module is preferably encapsulated in a material thatmakes it buoyant or in the case of the crayfish non-buoyant, so thelures can either float or sink depending on the choice of lure type.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above-mentioned featuresand advantages of the invention together with other important aspectsthereof upon reading the detailed description that follows inconjunction with the drawings provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the detailed description of the preferred embodiments presentedbelow, reference is made to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a sectional side view of a first embodiment of the invention,illustrating a remote radio controlled artificial fishing lure withlegs, to create a fishing lure in a shape that emulates a frog, babyalligator, mouse, rat, aquatic insect, or other chosen shape;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the first embodiment of the inventionillustrating the various components of the fishing lure;

FIG. 3 is perspective top view of a second embodiment device illustratedas an alligator wherein both front legs, both back legs, and the tailcan move either independently or in any combination;

FIG. 4 is a top sectioned view of the second embodiment device;

FIG. 5 is a side sectioned view of the second embodiment device;

FIG. 6 is a top sectioned view of a third embodiment device;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the remote control of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is a sectional side view of the remote control of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a side sectioned view of a basspop body having the radioreceiver, batteries, and magnetic actuator with an actuator arm in thebody interior;

FIG. 10 is a side sectioned view of a basspop body having alternatepositioning of the radio receiver, batteries, and magnetic actuator withan actuator arm in the body interior;

FIG. 11 is a top sectioned view of a basspop body having the radioreceiver, batteries, and magnetic actuator with an actuator arm in thebody interior and showing the external legs;

FIG. 12 is perspective top view of another embodiment device of thepresent invention illustrated as a baby frog or tadpole with tail-likestreamers showing the internal power source, receiver, and soundtransmitter;

FIG. 13 is perspective top view of another embodiment device of thepresent invention illustrated as a baby frog with wagging feet showingthe internal power source, receiver, and sound transmitter;

FIG. 14 is perspective top view of another embodiment device of thepresent invention illustrated as a rounded rectangular body withtrailing hook showing the internal power source, receiver, and soundtransmitter;

FIG. 15 is perspective top view of another embodiment device of thepresent invention illustrated as a large insect with tail-like streamersshowing the internal power source, receiver, and sound transmitter;

FIG. 16 is a schematic top plan view in section of the bait soundproducing fishing module of the present invention showing the interiorcomponents and the two conductive end extensions used in charging theinternal battery powering the internal sound recording and playback chipand micro speaker for playing the pre-recorded actual or simulated soundof a bait creature for catching fish;

FIG. 17 is a schematic side elevation view in section of the bait soundproducing fishing module of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is perspective top view of the bait sound producing fishingmodule housed inside a rubberized bait creature body simulating a babyfrog or tadpole with tail-like streamers showing the bait creature bodyfloating in water with the tail tilted downward;

FIG. 19 is perspective top view of the bait sound producing fishingmodule housed inside the rubberized bait creature body of FIG. 18showing the bait creature body floating in water with the head tiltingdownward caused by a tug on the fishing line thereby activating thebroadcasting of the recorded bait creature sound from the fishingmodule;

FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of a module fit within a soft rubberfishing lure (shown dashed) in the shape of a shad, having a hollow bodycavity that the module slips into;

FIG. 21 is a schematic view of the preferred embodiment of the baitsound producing circuit and the charging circuit of the presentinvention, the sound producing circuit comprising an internalrechargeable battery powering the internal sound recording and playbackchip and micro speaker for playing the pre-recorded actual or simulatedsound of a bait creature for catching fish and a resonant inductivecharging circuitry including an inductance pickup coil, a batteryprotect circuit and a magnetic latch switch all using micro-miniaturesurface mount technology, and the inductance coupled battery chargercomprising a mating inductance coupling coil positioned so that thecoils are in close proximity to charge the battery inside the module andthe lure;

FIG. 22 is a schematic view of the module containing the sound producingcircuitry of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional elevation view of the batterycharger of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing thecharging circuit of FIG. 21 inside the charger and a receptacleremovably containing the lure having the module of FIG. 22 and showingthe inductance pickup coil of the module in the lure and the matinginductance coupling coil positioned so that the coils are in closeproximity to charge the battery inside the module and the lure;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the battery charger of FIG. 23 showingthe power button and charge indicating light on the top of the batterycharger case and the sound producing lure lined up for insertion in thelure receptacle on the top surface of the case;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the battery charger of FIG. 24 showingthe sound producing lure removably inserted in the lure receptacle onthe top surface of the case for recharging the battery;

FIG. 26 is a schematic view of the preferred embodiment of the baitsound producing circuit and the charging circuit of the presentinvention, the sound producing circuit comprising an internalrechargeable battery powering the internal sound recording and playbackchip and micro speaker for playing the pre-recorded actual or simulatedsound of a bait creature for catching fish and a resonant inductivecharging circuitry including an inductance pickup coil, a batteryprotect circuit and a moisture sensing on-off switch all usingmicro-miniature surface mount technology, and the inductance coupledbattery charger comprising a mating inductance coupling coil positionedso that the coils are in close proximity to charge the battery insidethe module and the lure;

FIG. 27 is a schematic view of the module containing the sound producingcircuitry of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional elevation view of the batterycharger of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing thecharging circuit of FIG. 26 inside the charger and a receptacleremovably containing the lure having the module of FIG. 27 and showingthe inductance pickup coil of the module in the lure and the matinginductance coupling coil positioned so that the coils are in closeproximity to charge the battery inside the module and the lure;

FIG. 29 is a is a schematic view of the module containing the sound andmotion producing circuitry;

FIG. 30 is a side elevation view of the module of FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the housing and paddle of the module ofFIG. 29; and

FIG. 32 is a front elevation view of the housing of the module of FIG.29.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the description that follows, like parts are marked throughout thespecification and figures with the same numerals, respectively. Thefigures are not necessarily drawn to scale and may be shown inexaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity andconciseness.

In FIGS. 1-29, bait sound producing microchip 12 and 314 and microspeaker 13 and 315 are shown in a waterproof bait creature sound and/ormotion producing modules 150, 300, 300A, and 300B. The modules areinsertable in fishing lure body 30, 30A, 30B and 30C. The modulesinclude self contained electronics inside to broadcast soundreproductions of pre-recorded actual and simulated bait creature soundsappropriate to the shape of the lure when remotely activated by afisherman, as well as means for creating appropriate motion in the lure.

The modules may be applied either as a “slip-in” to various hollow bodysoft rubber shapes or built into hollow plastic shapes.

FIGS. 29 and 30 disclose module 300B capable of producing bait creaturesounds and bait creature movements. In FIGS. 21-28, a preferredembodiment of the bait creature sound producing module 300A is shown. InFIGS. 16-19, an alternate embodiment of the bait creature soundproducing module 300 is shown. Each module 300, 300A, and 3008 isremovably insertable in a lure body, such as a such as a popper typelure body 30C, as shown in FIGS. 20, 23-25 and 28, or a rubberized baitcreature body 30B simulating a baby frog, tadpole with tail-likestreamers, or bream/sunperch body as shown in FIGS. 18-20. Each module300, 300A, and 300B has self contained electronics inside to broadcastan actual or simulated sound reproduction of a bait creature sound whenactivated by the fisherman.

Each of the watertight bait sound producing modules 300, 300A, and 300Bis comprised of a water proof pod 310 having an exterior water tighthousing and an interior space within the housing to contain electroniccircuit 350. Electronic circuit 350 is comprised of a recorded soundproducing chip 314 having a pre-recorded bait creature sound recordedthereon. Chip 314 is connected to micro speaker 315. Micro speaker 315broadcasts the pre-recorded bait creature actual or simulated sound.Chip 314 is connected to motion switch 313. Chip 314 is connected topower source 311. Power source 311 provides power to the electroniccircuit and its components. Motion switch 313 provides a means for thefisherman to remotely activate the electronic circuit and broadcast thepre-recorded bait creature sound stored on sound chip 314 through microspeaker 315. The sound emanating from the module 300, 300A, and 300Binside the fishing lure body in the water will attract fish that feed onthe bait creature species.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, a tug by a fisherman on a fishing lineconnected to the fishing lure body at line receiving ring 302 causes thefishing lure to tilt and triggers motion switch 313. Motion switch 313has a triggered state and a non-triggered state. When triggered, motionswitch 313 connects the electronic circuit components to power source311. While motion switch 313 is triggered, sound chip 314 and microspeaker 315 produce the pre-recorded sound of the bait creature. As thefishing lure naturally returns to a non-tilted position, motion switch313 disconnects the sound chip 314 and micro speaker 315 from powersource 311.

The recorded sound producing chip 314 generates a pre-recorded simulatedor actual sound of a live bait creature sound taken in a naturalenvironment and taken from a list of simulated or actual soundsincluding a frog ribbit sound, a basspop cricket sound, a baby hatchlingalligator squeaking sound, a crayfish clicking sound, a shad rattlingbuzzing sound, a mouse squeaking sound, a rat squeaking sound, a smallfish sound in the water, and an aquatic insect sound in the water.

As shown in FIGS. 21-29, power source 311 is connected to inductancepickup coil 333A. Inductance pickup coil 333A is located within modules300A and 300B and adjacent the exterior surface of pod 310. Modules 300Aand 300B may be inserted in any lure body. Charger 330 includesreceptacle 335 for receiving the lure body. Charger 330 houseselectronic circuit 360 which includes mating inductance coupling coil333B. Coupling coil 333B is adjacent to (preferably surrounding)receptacle 335 so that coupling coil 333B is in close proximity toinductance pickup coil 333A when a lure body is seated in charger 330.Charger 330 can charge the power source 311 inside modules 300A, or 300Bwithout removing the module from the lure.

The preferred embodiment provides resonant inductive charging, a batteryprotect circuit, and a water sensing on-off switch. As shown in FIGS.23-25 and 28, popper type lure body 30C is removably seated inreceptacle 335 of the charger 330. Charger 330 automatically chargesbattery 311 included in module 300A. The charger runs off 12v DC from awall wart, car cigarette lighter socket or hooked up to the boat poweror any 12v DC source.

Coupling coil 333B and pickup coil 333A form a resonant tank circuitwhich detects the AC magnet field created by the external inductancecoupled battery charger 330. The full wave bridge rectifier (FWBR) 316converts the AC into DC. This filtered DC is applied to a batteryprotect circuit 317 which both protects and charges the battery 311 in acontrolled manner. Battery protect circuit 317 is operatively connectedto power source 311, wave bridge rectifier 316, and moisture sensingon-off switch 370.

The embodiment of FIGS. 21-28 utilizes surface mount technology ratherthan discrete electronic components to make it about 1/10th the size ofa discrete element circuit. It works the same as the discrete one withone exception. You no longer need to have a magnet permanently next tothe lure to turn it off.

In FIGS. 26-30, the preferred embodiment of module 300A and 300B furthercomprises moisture sensing on-off switch 370 connected to sensingelements 371. Sensing elements 371 are mounted externally on the watertight housing 310 of the module. Sensing elements 371 communicate withmoisture sensing on-off switch 370 which is further connected to themodule circuit components 311, 313, 314 and 315, so that casting thelure into water activates the module circuit for use in the water andremoving the lure from the water de-activates the module circuit.

The externally mounted sensing elements 371 extend to the interior ofthe housing and are preferably comprised of a pair of closely spacedelectrically conductive elements such as micro-miniature brass nails.Sensing elements 371 are operatively connected with moisture sensingon-off switch 370. Moisture sensing on-off switch 370 is operativelyconnected between power source 311 and motion sensor 313, soundproducing chip 314, and speaker 315. When module 300A is exposed tocontact with a body of water, an electrical current passes through thewater between the sensing elements 371, activates the sound module intoan on mode, and thus connects power source 311 to the sound producingcircuit components 313, 314, and 315. A fisherman can remotely activatesound module 300A with a tug on the line, which tilts the body of thelure and activates motion sensor switch 313 as desired. When soundmodule 300A is removed from contact with the water the module isde-activated into an off mode wherein the sound producing portion of thecircuit no longer has power and cannot be activated.

As shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, module 300B further includes components forproducing lifelike bait creature motion. Motor 320 is connected to powersource 311 and moisture sensing on-off switch 370. Rotor shaft 322extends from motor 320. Rotor shaft 322 includes cam 324 on its distalend. Housing 328 extends through opening 332 in pod 310 and is connectedto paddle 342. Rubber boot 340 is adjacent paddle 342 and enclosesopening 332 and the portion of housing 328 extending from pod 310ensuring the waterproof integrity of pod 310 is maintained. Housing 328includes rod 326. Rod 326 is pivotally attached to pod 310. Housing 328is preferably constructed of carbon fiber and paddle 342 of flexiblenylon thus ensuring the combination is lightweight and durable. Paddle342 is adhered to the housing with adhesive as is common in the art.Attachment wire 346 extends from the exterior of pod 310. Attachmentwire 346 is preferably stainless steel and includes a loop on its distalend. Attached to the exterior of pod 310 is tang 348. Tang 348 isattached to pod 310 with common in the art attachments features such asscrews or adhesive. Tang 348 provides a temporary fastening point for abackwards pointing, offset shank, hook. Attachment wire 346 allows forthe module and lure body to be attached to the main fishing line in anarrangement that is commonly referred to in the art as a Carolina rig. Abackwards pointing hook is essential in a Carolina rig setup as thetarget fish tend to attack the lure from the front. Once the lure bodyis hit by a target fish, tang 348 releases the hook and the fishermancan then set the hook in the target fish as is common in the art.

As shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, housing further includes slot 344. Slot 344has a width sufficient to accommodate rotor shaft 322 and cam 324.

In an alternate embodiment, module 300B replaces motion switch 313 witha timer switch. The timer switch activates the module to produce baitcreature sounds and bait creature motion when the lure body is place ina body of water. The timer switch can be programmed to activate module300B for varying durations, e.g. on for two seconds, off for twoseconds, or other combinations. When equipped with the timer switch, thefisherman need not activate the module with a tug on the line. Themodule will be activated automatically for the programmed duration oftime once the moisture sensing elements sense the lure body is in a bodyof water.

In use, module 300B is removably inserted in a rubberized bodyresembling a bait fish such as lure body 30B and 30C. In alternateembodiments, module 300B may be inserted in other bait creature shapedlure bodies as well, particularly those that include a moving tail. Thelure body containing module 300B is affixed to a fishing line viaattachment wire 346 as is common in the art. The module is turned onwhen sensing elements 371 connected to moisture sensing on-off switch370 sense the lure is in water. When activated, either remotely bymotion switch 313 reacting to a tug on the fishing line by the fishermanor automatically by a timer switch, motor 320 inside module 300B rotatesshaft 322. Cam 324 abuts housing 328 inside slot 344. Housing 328repeatedly pivots side to side around rod 326. As a result of housing328 pivoting around the linear axis of rod 326, paddle 342 also moves ina side to side motion, simulating the tail movement of a bait creatureas it swims. Simultaneously, the module broadcasts bait creature soundsas previously described. Module 300B is deactivated by either the motionswitch or the timer switch. Module 300B is turned off once removed fromthe water.

The sound module of FIGS. 21-25 comprises an on-off magnetic latchswitch 312 so that swiping a South pole of a magnet past the lureactivates the sound module circuit for use in the water and swiping aNorth pole of a magnet past the lure de-activates the sound modulecircuit for storage. A small pencil size wand with a small magnet oneach end is used to turn the power on and off.

A rare earth magnet turns the magnetic actuated latch switch 312 on oroff. When the switch is on, it latches a ground on the gate 318,connecting the battery 311 to activate the programmable sound module314. When the motion switch 313 detects a motion it triggers the soundmodule 314 to output the stored sound recording to the speaker 315. Thesound module is turned on by swiping the South pole of a magnet pastmagnetic actuated latch switch 312. Swiping the North pole turns it off.

In FIGS. 16-19, the alternate embodiment of the fishing lure body 30Bfurther comprises an alternate battery charging mechanism comprising anelectrically conductive means, such as line receiving loop 302, forattaching the fishing line at a forward end and an electricallyconductive hook attaching loop 301 for hooking a fish at a rearward end.The power source comprises a rechargeable battery 311, preferably aLithium Polymer battery which connects to the electrically conductiveline receiving loop 302 means for attaching the fishing line and theelectrically conductive hook receiving loop 301 means for hooking afish, so that the rechargeable battery 311 is rechargeable inside thesound module by attaching leads from a lithium battery charger to thetwo loops without removing the rechargeable battery from the soundmodule.

The sound module is turned on and off by a magnetic field actuatedelectronic microcircuit switch inside the sound module that is activatedby momentarily placing either the magnetic North or magnetic South endof a magnet in close proximity which causes the switch, and thereforethe sound module, to be turned either on or off. When in the offposition, the lithium battery contained within the sound module can berecharged by connecting an appropriate lithium battery charger positive(+) lead to the sound module line connection and the negative (−) leadto the sound module hook connection.

The fishing lure body 30B preferably simulates the body of the baitcreature which produces the sound recorded and reproduced by the soundmodule in the fishing lure body and the tug on the fishing line createsmotion to simulate motion of a bait creature, as shown in FIG. 19.

The sound module 300 and the fishing lure 30B are fabricated of buoyantmaterial to float in the water with a tail end of the fishing lureangled downwardly or a sinking material with the lure sitting on thebottom at an angle, as shown in FIG. 18, so that a tug on the fishingline attached to the front of the floating fishing lure causes the frontof the fishing lure to tilt downwardly to trigger the motion switch 313,as shown in FIG. 19.

In FIG. 20, a soft rubber shad fish shaped lure 30B has a flexiblerubberlike simulated body 20B having a hollow body cavity that the soundmodule 300 slips into. The form is basically silver colored with a blackdot on the side and yellow on the very end of the tail and has red lips.The modules size ranges from 1½″ to 2½″ long and ½″ to ⅝″ in diameterand are torpedo shaped. Shad is a small minnow like fish that grows tobe perhaps 3 to 4 inches long. They are slim, silver and congregate inlarge schools. They are the bass second preferred food source aftercrayfish. They make a sort of rattling, buzzing sound when the bassattacks the school and they flee. They catch bass, catfish, walleye,pike, trout, crappie, anything that can catch them.

In use, the preferred embodiment of the floating lure containing a soundmodule of the bait creature sought by the type of fish in the waterbeing fished is cast into the area believed to hold bass or other typeof fish desired and allowed to sit still for a short time eitherfloating or on the bottom depending on lure choice. At that time thelure will sit in a slightly tail down posture causing the sound modulewithin the lure to be off.

When the lure is later “twitched” by a gentle tug on the fishing lineconnected to the lure to produce motion in the lure to simulate a livebait creature, wherein the lure tips slightly forward causing the motiondetection switch within the module to create a electronic trigger signalwhich turns on the programmable sound I.C. which sends a pre-recordedactual or simulated frog, crayfish, shad, hatchling gator, cricket, orother bait creature sound to a miniature waterproof speaker 315 of thesound module. This causes the lure to both wriggle in the water and toemit an actual or simulated sound of a frog, crayfish, hatchling gator,shad, cricket, or other bait creature.

The Lithium Polymer battery 311 within the sealed module 310 isrechargeable by placing a magnet in close proximity to the built inmagnetic reed switch 312. This causes the battery to be connecteddirectly to the front line (+) ring 302 and the rear hook (−) ring 301for charging. Note: as the battery is not connected to the (+) ring whenthe module is activated by removing the magnet, the lure can be used inboth salt and fresh water without discharging the battery via the water.

The legs of a fisherman's choice, color, shape etc. can be easilyinserted into the lure body to simulate the bait creature preferred bythe type of fish the fisherman desires to catch.

The electronic sound module may be built in as a part of a complete lureor a sound module can be inserted into a hollow rubber form and whenactivated causes a prerecorded frog, crayfish, shad, cricket, gator, orother bait creature sound. When activated the sound module produces anelectronic pre-recorded audio actual or simulated sound of a frog,gator, crayfish, shad, cricket, or other bait creature housed in amating bait creature simulated body matching the bait creature soundproduced.

The sound module is a little smaller and the same shape as an adultthumb. What is needed is a lure that closely replicates the size, shape,color and sound of a frog, crayfish, hatchling gator, shad, cricket, orother bait creature which are primary food sources of bass. This lurefills all those needs. The lure module is a small, self contained andsealed electronic sound producing module that is activated by a tippingmovement of the module.

The lure module has a programmable integrated circuit (I.C.) that isprogrammed with the recording of the actual or simulated sound of afrog, a hatchling gator, a crayfish, a shad, a cricket, or other baitcreature. The module has a magnetic built in reed switch. When a magnetis in close proximity to the switch the sound module is off and theinternal Lithium Polymer battery is connected directly to the lineconnection (+) and the hook connection (−) for charging. When the magnetis removed, the battery is disconnected from the (+) terminal and isconnected to the module electronics which turns on the module. When themodule is tipped it creates an electronic trigger signal that causes thespeaker to emit the pre-recorded sound. The module can be placed withinthe hollow rubber form of a frog, crayfish, gator, shad, or other baitcreature shape of choice or built into a hollow body plastic lure of anyshape. Typical hollow lure bodies have the feature wherein the “legs”can be exchanged readily without affecting the module. Note that thestand alone module has no leg slots as the hollow rubber forms containthe slots. When the module is built into a hollow plastic form, the formhas the leg slots.

In FIGS. 1-19, a remote radio controlled robotic fishing lure device 10records and plays back a bait creature's actual or simulated recordedsound and also simulates the size, shape, and movement of the baitcreature in many embodiments.

In FIG. 1, a watertight simulated body 30 of a simulated fishing baitcreature, a frog in this embodiment, comprises a hard inner upper shell130 snapped together to a hard inner lower shell 140 each with arubberized outer covering 20 simulating the outer skin of the baitcreature. Pins 32 in one half snap fit into mating holes 33 in the otherhalf. A watertight inner space 31 houses at least one radio receiver 90and at least one magnetic actuator 100 for creating motion positionedtherein. The radio receiver 90 communicates with the magnetic actuator100. The simulated body 30 has a number of openings 34 around theperimeter for receiving extremities 50 attached thereto in a watertightfit.

The magnetic actuator 100 and 210 may comprise a rare earth magnetactuator or a servo mechanism imparting motion to the control arm.

The power source preferably comprises a rechargeable battery 80 withinthe lure body having battery charger connections extending outside ofthe lure body in the fishing line attachment ring and hook attachmentring so that the lure does not have to be taken apart or any insideaccess necessary at all in order to charge the battery.

The flexible simulated extremities 50 of the fishing bait creature eachcomprise a soft rubberized replica of an extremity 50 of the fishingbait creature, in this case a frog leg, which fits with a tightwatertight fit in one of the openings 34 in the body of the fishing baitcreature to plug the opening so that the body is sealed watertight. Themagnetic actuator 100 is attached to each of the extremities 50 by meansfor linking the at least one magnetic actuator to each of theextremities to enable the at least one magnetic actuator 100 to createmovement simulating the natural movement of each extremity in thefishing bait creature.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, a control arm 160 is attached to the magnetic actuator100 and optional extension control arms 161 connecting to extremitymoving arms 50 which extend from inside the simulated body into anextremity 200. Each extremity moving arm 50 is pivotally attached to thecontrol arm wherein the magnetic actuator imparts a back and forthmotion (shown by internal arrow) to the control arm 160 and the controlarm imparts a movement to the extremity moving arm to create thesimulated extremity movement (shown by external arrows). The control arm160 is further attached to a spring 70 attached to the body to draw thecontrol arm 160 toward the back after the magnetic actuator 100 drawingsthe control arm 160 forward to create the back and forth motion to movethe extremities.

In FIG. 6, the control arm 260 pivotally attached to the actuator 210has a plurality of extension control arms which each connect to anextremity moving arm such as leg extremity moving arms 70 and tailextremity moving arm 240 activate an extremity moving arm. The controlarm 260 is further attached to a control arm pivot mechanism 250 in thecenter of the control arm connected to an interior surface of thesimulated body.

In FIGS. 1-6, the lure body comprises a molded body in the shape of abait creature taken from the list of bait creatures comprising a frog inFIGS. 1 and 2, a baby alligator in FIGS. 3-5, a fish, and an aquaticinsect.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, the molded body 30 is in the shape of a frog and theextremities 200 comprise simulated frog legs that simulate a kickingmotion natural to frog legs so that the extremities simulate a naturalswimming motion of a frog in water.

In FIGS. 3-5, the simulated body 30 is in the shape of a baby alligatorand the extremities comprise simulated baby alligator legs 200 thatsimulate a kicking motion natural to baby alligator legs and a simulatedbaby alligator tail 190 that simulates a natural side to side swingingmovement (arrows) of a baby alligator tail so that the extremitiessimulate a natural swimming motion of a baby alligator in water.

In FIGS. 9-11, the simulated body 30 with interior space 31 is in theshape of a basspop and the extremities comprise simulated basspop legs200 that simulate a kicking motion activated by a control arm 160attached to a magnetic actuator 100 powered by a battery or batteries 80and receiving signals through a radio receiver 90 from the remotecontrol (7 as in FIGS. 7 and 8) held by the fisherman.

A sound generating microchip 12 and subminiature speaker 13 for baitanimal sound generation on demand are installed within the watertightsimulated body 30, the microchip 12 communicating with the radioreceiver so that the radio transmitter 9 sends a separate signalactivated by a second foot button 6B on the remote control to the radioreceiver 90 causing the radio receiver to activate the sound generatingmicrochip 12 to make a pre-recorded sound through the subminiaturespeaker 13 of a natural recorded sound of the fishing bait creature. Themicrochip 12 generates a pre-recorded sound depending upon the nature ofthe fishing bait creature simulated body housing the microchip, thepre-recorded sound is of a live bait animal sound taken in a naturalenvironment and taken from the list of simulated sounds including a frogribbit sound, a basspop cricket sound, and a baby alligator hatchlingsqueaking sound.

In FIGS. 7 and 8, a hand and foot operated remote control 7 housing aradio control transmitter 9, the remote control alternately held by auser in a first position for hand control with a hand control switch 4for turning the magnetic actuator 100 on and off and setting the choiceof which robotic lure is being used, and alternately positioned near afoot of a user in a second position for foot control using a first footactuated button 6A for controlling motion in the robotic lure and asecond foot actuated button 6B for controlling sound in the robotic lurewhile a user holds a fishing rod, the radio control transmittercontrolling the robotic fishing lure device for fishing, the radiocontrol transmitter wirelessly communicates with the radio receiver 90in the simulated body which activates the magnetic actuator 100 tocreate movement in each of the extremities 50 simulating the naturalmovement of each extremity in the fishing bait creature. A mating hookand loop fastener patch 8 on the bottom of the remote control allows itto be removable attached to the carpeting on a fishing boat or otherconvenient location. An antenna is removably attachable to the BNCantenna connector 1 on the remote control. A power source is connectableto the two conductor male power connector 2 on the remote control. Theremote control is connectable to a power charge source via a twoconductor female charge connector 3 on the remote control. An antenna 11transmits the radio signals from the remote control to the receiver 90.

In FIGS. 12-15, an alternate watertight simulated body 30A of asimulated fishing bait creature or a similarly sized body, which may bea rubberized body and has a rubberized outer covering 20 simulating theouter skin of the bait creature and each provides a moving outerappendage element which moves as the body is dragged through the waterand an internal sound generating housing 150 inserted in the body. Thesound generating housing 150 encloses a sound generating microchip 12and subminiature speaker 13 for bait animal sound generation on demandinstalled within the watertight simulated body 30. The microchip 12communicates with the radio receiver 90 so that the radio transmitter 9sends a separate signal activated by a second foot button 6B on theremote control to the radio receiver 90 causing the radio receiver toactivate the sound generating microchip 12 to make a pre-recorded soundthrough the subminiature speaker 13 of a natural recorded sound of thefishing bait creature. The sound generating housing 150 may befabricated of buoyant material so that the simulated body 30A floatswith the sound generating housing inserted therein. The sound generatinghousing 150 may be removed and replaced.

In FIG. 12, the watertight simulated body 30A, having a rubberized outercovering 20A, simulates a baby frog or tadpole with tail-like streamersshowing the sound generating housing 150 having an internal power source80, radio receiver 90, sound generating microchip 12 and soundtransmitter, such as a subminiature speaker 13.

In FIG. 13, the watertight simulated body 30A, having a rubberized outercovering 20A, simulates a baby frog with wagging feet showing the soundgenerating housing 150 having an internal power source 80, radioreceiver 90, sound generating microchip 12 and sound transmitter, suchas a subminiature speaker 13.

In FIG. 14, the watertight simulated body 30A as a rounded rectangularbody, having a rubberized outer covering 20A, simulates the size of afishing bait creature with trailing hook wagging behind, showing thesound generating housing 150 having an internal power source 80, radioreceiver 90, sound generating microchip 12 and sound transmitter, suchas a subminiature speaker 13.

In FIG. 15, the watertight simulated body 30A as a rounded rectangularbody, having a rubberized outer covering 20A, simulates a large insectwith tail-like streamers showing the sound generating housing 150 havingan internal power source 80, radio receiver 90, sound generatingmicrochip 12 and sound transmitter, such as a subminiature speaker 13.

In use, the watertight simulated body 30 and 30A of the radio controlledfishing bait creature is attached to a fishing line and cast into thewater. The remote control 7 is turned on and adjusted to the desiredchoice of robotic lure being used with the manual control 4. The remotecontrol may be placed on the ground fishing boat carpet or attached to abait box on the ground and operated by a foot of a user on the footcontrol buttons 6A and 6B while the fisherman holds the fishing rod andreel with two hands. The bottom hooks 180 hook a fish attacking thelure.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could bemade to the embodiments described above without departing from the broadinventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that thisinvention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but itis intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of thepresent invention as defined by the appended claims.

1. A fishing lure having recorded bait sound playback, the lurecomprising: a body containing a removable waterproof pod; the pod havingan interior chamber and an exterior surface; a receiving ring extendingfrom the exterior surface an electronic circuit in the interior chamber;the electronic circuit further comprising: a microchip having a storedprerecorded sound; a speaker operatively connected to the microchip; amotion switch operatively connected in the circuit; a battery,operatively connected in the circuit; and an inductance pickup coiloperatively connected to the battery; a charging station having areceptacle, for engagement with the body, adjacent a mating inductancecoupling coil; a moisture sensing switch operatively connected to thecircuit and to a set of sensing elements where the sensing elements aremounted on the exterior surface; whereby the pod is in an on mode whenthe set of sensing elements detect moisture; whereby the battery isrecharged when the body is seated in the receptacle and the inductancepickup coil is adjacent the mating inductance coupling coil; and wherebyapplying a generally outward force on the receiving ring activates themotion switch and causes the stored prerecorded sound to be played bythe microchip on the speaker.
 2. The fishing lure of claim 1 wherein thebody is shaped to resemble a bait creature selected from the groupconsisting of a frog, a crayfish, a shad, a hatchling alligator, acricket, a bream, and a mouse.
 3. The fishing lure of claim 1 whereinthe prerecorded sound stored on the microchip include a sound selectedfrom the group consisting of a frog ribbit sound, a crayfish clickingsound, a shad rattling buzzing sound, a hatchling gator squeaking sound,a basspop cricket sound, a small fish sound, and a mouse squeakingsound.
 4. The fishing lure of claim 1 wherein the pod is comprised ofbuoyant material.
 5. The fishing lure of claim 1 wherein the pod iscomprised of non-buoyant material.
 6. The fishing lure of claim 1further comprising: wherein the body has a first position and a secondposition; and whereby when the body is in the second position, themotion switch is activated.
 7. A bait sound producing module for use ina fishing lure body connected to a fishing line held by a fisherman, themodule comprising: a waterproof shell encasing an electronic circuitwhere the shell is removably housed in the fishing lure body; theelectronic circuit comprises a memory chip, a motion switch, a speaker,a moisture sensing switch, a battery, and an inductance pickup coil; thememory chip includes bait sound stored thereon and is connected to thespeaker and the motion switch where the motion switch has a first stateand a second state; the chip is further connected to the moisturesensing switch and the battery; the moisture sensing switch is connectedto a set of sensing elements where the set of sensing elements aremounted externally on the shell; the battery is connected to theinductance pickup coil where the inductance pickup coil is adjacent theshell; whereby the module is activated to an on-mode when placed inwater causing electrical current to pass between the set of sensingelements; and whereby the fisherman can remotely activate the electroniccircuit and broadcast the bait sound stored on the chip through thespeaker by tugging on the fishing line and causing the fishing lure bodyto tilt which moves the motion switch from the first state to the secondstate.
 8. The bait sound producing module of claim 7 further comprising:a charger including a cup and a mating inductance coupling coil adjacentthe cup; whereby the battery is recharged when the module rests in thecup and the inductance pickup coil is adjacent the mating inductancecoupling coil.
 9. The bait sound producing module of claim 7 wherein thefishing lure body is shaped to resemble a bait creature selected fromthe group consisting of a frog, a crayfish, a shad, a hatchlingalligator, a cricket, a bream, and a mouse.
 10. The bait sound producingmodule of claim 7 wherein the bait sound stored on the memory chipincludes a sound selected from the group consisting of a frog ribbitsound, a crayfish clicking sound, a shad rattling buzzing sound, ahatchling gator squeaking sound, a basspop cricket sound, a small fishsound, and a mouse squeaking sound.
 11. The bait sound producing moduleof claim 7 wherein the shell is comprised of buoyant material.
 12. Thebait sound producing module of claim 7 wherein the shell is comprised ofnon-buoyant material.
 13. The bait sound producing module of claim 7where when the motion switch is in the first state, the module does notbroadcast bait sound and when the motion switch is in the second state,the module broadcasts bait sound.
 14. The bait sound producing module ofclaim 7 further comprising: a battery protect circuit operativelyconnected to the battery, a full wave bridge rectifier, and the moisturesensing switch and where the full wave bridge rectifier is furtherconnected to the inductance pickup coil.
 15. A fishing lure modulecomprising: a waterproof pod removably insertable within a lure body,where the pod has an interior space and an exterior surface; a switchingmeans, housed within the interior space, for switching the pod betweenan activated position and a de-activated position; a memory chip, havingbait creature sounds stored thereon, connected to the switching means; aspeaker connected to the memory chip; a water sensing switch connectedto the memory chip and a rechargeable battery where the water sensingswitch toggles between an on position and an off position; a set ofsensing elements connected to the water sensing switch where the set ofelements are mounted on the exterior surface; a pickup coil connected tothe rechargeable battery; a motor connected to the battery and the watersensing switch, where a rotary shaft extends from the motor and isadjacent a pivoting block; a paddle connected to the pivoting block andextending from the interior space through the exterior surface; wherethe switching means, the memory chip, the speaker, the water sensingswitch, the rechargeable battery, the pickup coil, and the motor areoperatively connected within an electric circuit and sealed in theinterior space; whereby when the fishing lure module is deployed inwater, the water sensing switch moves to the on position and wherebywhen the fishing lure is removed from water, the water sensing switchmoves to the off position; and whereby when the water sensing switch isin the on position and the switching means toggles the pod to theactivated position, the bait creature sounds are broadcast from thespeaker and the pivoting block imparts motion to the paddle.
 16. Thefishing lure of claim 15 further comprising: a charging base including areceptacle and a coupling coil adjacent the receptacle; whereby thebattery is recharged when the lure body is seated in the receptacle andthe pickup coil is adjacent the coupling coil.
 17. The fishing lure ofclaim 15 where the switching means is a motion switch.
 18. The fishinglure of claim 15 where the switching means is a timer switch.
 19. Thefishing lure of claim 15 further comprising: a tang connected to theexterior surface; and a boot, adjacent the exterior surface and adjacentthe paddle, for maintaining the waterproof integrity of the pod.
 20. Thefishing lure of claim 15 further comprising: wherein the lure body isshaped to resemble a bait creature selected from the group consisting ofa frog, a tadpole, a crayfish, a shad, a hatchling alligator, a cricket,a bream, and a mouse; and wherein the bait creature sounds stored on thememory chip include a sound selected from the group consisting of a frogribbit sound, a crayfish clicking sound, a shad rattling buzzing sound,a hatchling gator squeaking sound, a basspop cricket sound, a small fishsound, and a mouse squeaking sound.